80s Power Ballads: A Rating System
AUTHOR’S NOTE: “How did I forget ‘Home Sweet Home’?” That’s what I’ve been asking myself ever since I read the feedback to my last post, the one about the greatest songs from 1985. Sure, I couldn’t mention every big song. But, next to Dead or Alive’s “You Spin Me Round,” Motley Crue’s signature love song was probably the most glaring omission. Of all the songs to overlook, how did I miss THAT one? (Actually, I think I know how:...
In Defense of Band-Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
In 1984, an instantly classic holiday song tried to save the world. Thirty years later, it seems the song needs to be saved from itself. I originally intended to write a piece outlining how the 1984 version of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is infinitely superior to the 2014 version. (Sorry, One Direction guys, but it’s true.) But after some initial research, I realized the 1984 version is not quite as beloved as I...
The Best Christmas Song Ever
By Lori Ferraro I love Christmastime. I love buying and giving gifts, I love a big old tree in my living room, I love boozy egg nog. And I love Christmas music. Mostly I love traditional Christmas music or carols sung by the Rat Pack, like Dean Martin singing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” or that “Mistletoe and Holly” one by Frank Sinatra. I tend to shy away from anything new – Celine Dion or some random 90s boy bands singing...
The Hunger, 1983
A film commentary by Romy Shiller, PhD ABOUT: The Hunger is a 1983 British romantic horror film directed by Tony Scott. It is the story of a love triangle between a doctor who specializes in sleep and aging research and a vampire couple. The film is a loose adaptation of the 1981 novel of the same name by Whitley Strieber, with a screenplay by Ivan Davis and Michael Thomas. This film stars David Bowie, Catherine Deneuve and Susan...
Interview with Jack Hues of Wang Chung
By Alli Denning December 12, 2012 It was our extreme pleasure to talk with Jack Hues of Wang Chung yesterday, on the day of the release of their new album, Tazer Up. Wang Chung hit the 80s music scene in the mid-80s with Top 40 hits, including ‘Everybody Have Fun Tonight,’ ‘Dance Hall Days,’ and ‘Let’s Go.’ We discuss the new album, what it means to ‘Wang Chung’, shoulder pads, and what accounts for the lasting appeal of 80s music....
